Student projects are a great way for our students to adapt creativity into their learning. This month we are sharing more projects related to course work from Palapa School Students.

We are excited to see the various projects related to their studies. We hope that you enjoy them as much as we do.

The project first investigated the major components of a computer:

Watch the above video to see more computers created by our students.

Showcase of Sebastian C.'s javascript he wrote to create an image on the computer. This project was unrelated to the coursework. He just decided to see what he could do on his own!

Teacher Citlali created a fun an innovative project for the 9th grade History class. Students created cardboard television displays to illustrate the Mexican Independence of 1810.

"On September 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest, launched the Mexican War of Independence with the issuing of his Grito de Dolores, or “Cry of Dolores” (Dolores referring to the town of Dolores, Mexico). The revolutionary tract called for the end of Spanish rule in Mexico, redistribution of land, and racial equality."

Pascal is in the 4th semester of preparatoria (11 grade, high school). His favorite subject depends more on the teacher than on the subject. But if I had to choose a subject that I am studying in this cycle I would choose English. In general chemistry is the subject of most interest to me. Of the subjects he is studying right now, the one he likes the least is history. His biggest challenge during distance learning has been to adapt, because it is something he had never done. The advantage of distance learning is that you can do it almost anywhere. It can be from the comfort of your home, or at someone else's house.

What he misses most about face-to-face classes is living and socializing with his friends. What motivates him the most about going to the University is all the options that there are. You can decide what you want to be. The courses that interest him most in the University are gastronomy, professional video editing and online video game design.

The advice that he gives to those who are entering the first year of secondary school is not to be scared by being the youngest class. Secondary is very different from primary school, and they will adapt quickly.

My adventure at The Palapa School began in July of last year when, thanks to Enseña por México, I was presented with the opportunity to collaborate as a teacher of subjects in the area of ​​social sciences. Since then, I have been performing my work daily with great commitment and joy. They are my students, the engine of my professional work and the reason for my aspirations for teacher growth.

The Palapa School faces great challenges today, especially with the challenge of distance education. However, it is because of its teachers, students, administrative staff, parents and educational community in general that it has managed to successfully face the complexity of the paradigm shift. It is a fortunate school to keep its doors open and continue to offer quality education for all in times of difficulty.

What makes The Palapa School special is the learning community from which it was formed and continues to grow. Since it is a school that everyone feels is their own, they find in it the ideal place to crystallize their aspirations. This favors the sense of co-responsibility and teamwork which are essential values ​​in educational institutions.

What I like most about working at the school is the sense of familiarity present in all educational activities and projects. The commitment that everyone has in making their skills is a unique strength of the institution.

The greatest challenge of distance education that I have faced as a teacher is to promote positive interpersonal relationships between my students and me. The lack of physical contact has hindered close interaction, accompaniment and guidance, which favors the educational process. This makes the in person teaching practice irreplaceable by technology. Students miss their classrooms, their classmates and the benefits of social relationships. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that the virtual space is not only a classroom but also an opportunity to meet, listen, communicate and connect.

The English for Adults program has been continuing their efforts by teaching several small outdoor, masked, socially distant classes over the last couple of months. With a 4-student maximum, we have had many volunteers step up to make this happen. Participation has varied some, but currently we have 6 classes going with a total of 12 students.

We are hoping to return to the classroom in the fall. We would like to thank all the volunteers that allowed us to offer classes, albeit on a much smaller scale.

If you are interested in teaching a small group over the summer, please click here to email Kate Lewis.

Thank you to Mark Gabriel for sharing his process in his creation of "Queenie" to raise money for Palapa School Scholarships. We appreciate your support and generosity. This special online art auction raised $5,400 USD.

Special shout out to Jessie Wallace and Ricardo Madrazo for all their hard work on the video production for this 4 week event.

A huge thank you to Pat and Eric Adams for the donation of books for the Children's Library!

Antonio Jose

Benjamin Cudd

Cheryl Benware

Tracy Lecroy

Debbie Dodd

Gina Miller

Jae & Jeff Sherwood

Jamie Sechrist

Jene Buckner

Kenneth R. Caplin

Laura Herrick

Pamela Bell-Kurlowicz

Paul Mena

Regina Cerda

Brian & Lynn Kuske

Kathy Warnert & Tod Diamond

Kristin Rust

Lee Purser

Liane Collins